SHN Engineers & Geologists

Business Details

47 Years

experience

Civil & Environmental Engineering Solutions in Northern California and Southern Oregon

SHN Engineers & Geologists has been delivering engineering and geologic solutions for over 35 years, serving communities across Northern California and Southern Oregon. Our team lives where we work, ensuring deep local knowledge and long-term commitment to project success. We combine technical expertise with innovative technologies like trenchless methods and UAVs to address complex challenges. Our cross-trained staff and horizontal company structure enable efficient, client-focused service with minimal bureaucracy. Privately owned since 1979, we prioritize sustainable outcomes and community impact.

Our clients benefit from direct communication with project teams and a proven track record in civil engineering, environmental services, geosciences, and biological sciences. We maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies and specialize in adaptive solutions for public and private sector clients. Our dedication to quality is reflected in awards like the PSMJ Premier Award for Client Satisfaction and a high Net Promoter Score. We invest in employee development and maintain a collaborative culture that values work-life balance and technical excellence.

Services

Civil Engineering Surveying Environmental Services Geosciences Materials Testing Planning Biological Sciences Trenchless Technologies Water Resources UAV Services

Details

Year established: 1979

Highlights and features

We offer 35+ years of regional engineering and geologic expertise
Our team pioneered trenchless technologies and UAV applications in the industry
Award-winning client satisfaction with an 80 Net Promoter Score
We maintain direct communication channels between project teams and clients
Our horizontal company structure enables rapid response to changing project needs

What people say

Technical expertise Regional knowledge Project success Client satisfaction Award-winning service

Website

Update Listing

Services

Civil Engineering

Our civil engineers design water and wastewater systems, transportation infrastructure, and site development projects using trenchless technologies and low impact design principles. We specialize in mechanically stabilized embankments that reduce environmental disturbance while lowering construction costs. Our team provides comprehensive services from feasibility studies through construction management for municipal and private clients.

Environmental Services

We offer environmental site assessments, remediation planning, and compliance services for contaminated sites. Our team employs real-time field analysis to accelerate decision-making and utilizes passive remediation techniques for cost-effective solutions. With experience closing over 1,000 sites, including state and federal Brownfield projects, we provide Phase I-III assessments, SPCC plans, and hazardous materials management for public and private sector clients.

Geosciences

Our geologists and geotechnical engineers conduct subsurface investigations and slope stability analyses using advanced technologies like horizontal directional drilling and slope monitoring devices. We provide fault hazard evaluations, liquefaction analysis, and foundation design services for infrastructure projects. The team specializes in coastal geology studies and landslide mitigation solutions tailored to the unique geological conditions of the Pacific Northwest.

Biological Sciences

Our biologists provide wetland delineation, wildlife surveys, and ecological restoration planning to minimize project impacts on sensitive habitats. We specialize in aquatic organism passage solutions and endangered species assessments. The team conducts multi-year monitoring programs for habitat restoration projects and offers mitigation strategies that balance development needs with environmental protection requirements for transportation and infrastructure clients.

Surveying and UAVs

We combine traditional land surveying with unmanned aerial vehicle technology for topographic mapping and construction staking. Our licensed surveyors use GPS control networks and 3D laser scanning to support infrastructure projects. The UAV program provides aerial documentation for environmental monitoring, construction progress tracking, and volumetric calculations, offering clients enhanced visualization and data collection capabilities for large-scale projects.

People

Mike K. Foget

Chief Executive Officer

With 25 years of environmental engineering experience, Mike leads SHN's strategic direction. He has managed complex remediation projects including the Exxon Valdez oil spill and Samoa infrastructure rehabilitation. A licensed professional engineer, he became CEO in 2019 after progressive leadership roles in environmental and civil engineering divisions.

Jason Island

Chief Operations Officer

As COO, Jason oversees operations across all offices with 25+ years of engineering leadership. He previously served as Mendocino Regional Principal and has extensive experience in municipal infrastructure projects. His expertise includes construction management and project delivery for public works departments in Northern California communities.

Christina Tipp

Mendocino Regional Principal

Christina brings 20+ years of engineering geology experience to her regional leadership role. She specializes in geotechnical investigations, fault trenching, and slope stability analysis. As a certified engineering geologist, she provides technical expertise for timber harvest plans, landslide mitigation, and structural distress diagnosis across Northern California.

Walter White

Principal Surveyor

With 32 years of surveying experience, Walter leads SHN's surveying practice and Coos Bay operations. He specializes in GPS control networks, construction staking, and land division surveys for infrastructure projects. He is advancing the group's capabilities in data acquisition and handling technologies for modern surveying applications.

Erik Nielsen

Environmental Services Principal

Erik has 25+ years of experience in environmental geology and hydrogeology. He manages site remediation projects involving VOCs, fuel hydrocarbons, and radioactive materials. His expertise includes aquifer characterization, well design, and stormwater compliance programs for industrial and municipal clients across Northern California and Southern Oregon.

Questions

What geographic areas does SHN serve?

SHN primarily serves Northern California and Southern Oregon, with offices in Eureka, Arcata, Fort Bragg, Redding, Willits, Coos Bay, and Klamath Falls.

What engineering specialties does SHN offer?

We specialize in civil engineering with expertise in trenchless technologies, water resources, low impact design, and mechanically stabilized embankments for infrastructure projects.

Does SHN provide environmental remediation services?

Yes, we offer comprehensive environmental services including Phase I-III assessments, hazardous materials management, and remediation solutions for contaminated sites.

What makes SHN different from other engineering firms?

Our combination of regional expertise, innovative technologies like UAVs, and direct client communication channels enable efficient, adaptive solutions for complex projects.

How does SHN handle geotechnical challenges?

Our geosciences team uses advanced technologies like slope monitoring devices and horizontal directional drilling to address geotechnical issues across diverse geological conditions in the Pacific Northwest.

Is SHN involved in community development?

We actively engage in community service and have maintained long-term relationships with many original clients since our founding in 1979.